China Data On Tap For Friday

China is on Friday scheduled to release Q1 GDP plus March figures for retail sales, industrial production and fixed asset investment - highlighting a modest day for Asia-Pacific economic news.

GDP is expected to rise 1.9 percent on quarter and 8.4 percent on year after rising 2.0 percent on quarter and 8.9 percent in the previous three months. Retail sales are tipped to add 15.0 percent on year after collecting 18.1 percent in February. Industrial production is called higher by 11.5 percent on year after climbing 21.3 percent in the previous month. FAI is called higher by 20.8 percent after rising 21.5 percent a month earlier.

The Bank of Japan will release the minutes from its monetary policy meeting on March 12 and 13. At the meeting, the bank kept its rates on hold at 0.19 percent.

The Bank of Korea will conclude its monetary policy meeting and announce its decision on interest rates. The bank is expected to keep rates on hold at 3.25 percent.

Finally, Thailand remains closed for the Songkran Festival; it will re-open on Monday.